Prevention tips for West Nile virus

GAYLORD - That time of year is approaching and officials with the Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency (NWMCHA) are trying to get the word out that prevention is the key.

As seasons change, so do health maladies, and one of last year's more worrisome, the West Nile virus (WNV), is likely to make a return.

Michigan was one of the most affected states in 2002, with 574 cases reported in humans and 48 deaths. There was only one confirmed WNV infection in Otsego County. Montmorency County had no cases of WNV in humans.

WNV is maintained in crows and jays and transmitted by most species of mosquitoes, including the most common species in Michigan. While there is still no known treatment for WNV, most people who are infected do not experience symptoms or experience only mild flu-like symptoms. Still, it can cause inflammation of the brain and the elderly are typically more vulnerable to symptoms. Ten percent of those who develop encephalitis from WNV either die or suffer permanent neurologic damage.

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Therefore, Dr. Joshua Meyerson, medical director of NWMCHA, stressed prevention as the best way to battle this virus. Exposure to mosquitoes can be reduced in a number of ways, he advised:

* Drain outdoor standing water once a week. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in small amounts of water, like flower pots, tires, pet bowls and discarded cans. For this approach to work, however, everyone in the neighborhood must participate.

* Keep the lawn well mowed and cut down weeds. This reduces the mosquito population around your residence.

* Prevent mosquitoes from entering your house. Installing good screens on all doors and windows can go a long way towards keeping the insects out.

* Wear personal protection. When you're outside at dusk or dawn, the most active mosquito times, or in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent that contains at least 10 percent DEET.

Meyerson compares the virus to driving a car. There is always risk, but common sense dictates that precautions be taken to minimize that risk. Like wearing a seat belt, Meyerson said following the tips above will help minimize one's risk to exposure to WNV.

"I don't want people to panic because I think it's overall a small risk but that's not to say there's no risk," Meyerson said. "West Nile is in our area and there is a risk of getting it. What you can do to avoid West Nile is be a little more prudent in trying to prevent mosquito bites."

He said this is especially true for those in high risk groups - people over 65 and those with a compromised immune system, which can be caused by illness, certain medication regimens and chemotherapy.

For now, NWMCHA believes the West Nile virus can be controlled through education. Meyerson also notes that the disease will probably begin to fade because now that the virus has entered the area, an immunity will develop not only in humans, but in birds.